Alex Kirilloff smashed a three-run home run in the eighth inning, propelling the Minnesota Twins to a 5-3 win against the Texas Rangers on Saturday.
Kirilloff, who also hit a crucial home run in the Twins’ win over the World Series champions on Friday, sent a pitch from David Robertson (2-2) into the bullpen in left-center, securing Minnesota’s fourth consecutive victory.
After struggling with a 7-for-59 slump that dropped his batting average to .202, Kirilloff has bounced back in the past eight days, going 5 for 16 with three home runs.
“Knowing how much he’s been working and certainly been showing signs of coming out of it, for him to deliver the big one there in the eighth was huge, off a really good pitcher,” remarked Twins bench coach Jace Tingler.
It was only the second game this season where Kirilloff had multiple hits. He also singled and scored in the seventh inning.
“Sticking with the process has been the biggest thing — showing up every day ready to work,” Kirilloff said regarding his recent struggles. “Let it come naturally, but at the same time, try to figure out what the adjustment is. It’s kind of been a balance.”
Cole Sands (2-0) pitched two perfect innings to earn the win, while Jhoan Duran secured his sixth save with a flawless ninth inning.
Ezequiel Duran homered and made a crucial defensive play by throwing a runner out at the plate. Starter Michael Lorenzen pitched six strong innings for the Rangers, who have now lost six consecutive games and 12 of their last 14.
Lorenzen gave up just one run on three hits over six innings, marking his seventh consecutive start with at least six innings pitched, which is tied for the longest such streak in the major leagues this season. However, he hasn’t won in his last six starts.
The game took a turn when Lorenzen was pulled after warming up for the seventh inning due to a cramp in his lower right leg.
“It’s frustrating. I felt like I ambushed the bullpen, and I hate putting the bullpen in that situation,” Lorenzen expressed, despite his efforts to convince manager Bruce Bochy to let him continue pitching. However, his arguments were unsuccessful.
